Topsail area happenings

Published: Thursday, April 10, 2014 at 02:14 PM.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 107 Deerfield Drive behind the Port City Java on U.S. 17. For information or to make reservations for the dinner, contact Rev. Pamela Stringer at 910-270-4221.

Senior citizens meeting

There will be a business meeting for the members of Sneads Ferry Senior Citizens on April 16 at 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center, 2074 Hwy. 172 in Sneads Ferry.

Current members and all senior citizens in Sneads Ferry, 60 years or older, are welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings, held the third Wednesday of the month, and be a part of any decision making affecting the Center.

For more information, contact group president Monty Brigman at 910-327-6701 or treasurer A. Palmer at omapal@aol.com.

Pender Democrats will hold its second “Meet & Greet” public preentation, featuring the Pender County Democratic slate for 2014 elections from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on April 15. It will be held at the current Maple Hill Community Building, the old Maple Hill School on Maple Hill School Road off N.C. 50.

All candidates will give brief presentations with a question and answer period and brief reception to follow with light refreshments served.

Four Pender School Board candidates running in non-partisan races will also be on hand: F.D. Rivenbark – District 1, Kenneth Lanier of Maple Hill - District 2 and Demetrice Keith and Katherine Herring – District 4.

This event is the second in a series of “Meet & Greet” events to be held countywide by Pender Democrats. The next one will be May 20 at the Hampstead Community Building. All interested are welcome to attend, regardless of party affiliation.

Cape Fear BBQ Festival

The 1st annual Cape Fear BBQ Festival will be held June 7 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and June 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old River Farms, 8711 Old River Road in Burgaw. There will be a barbecue cook-off, an antique truck and tractor display, arts and crafts, commercial vendors, plants and flowers, a children’s entertainment zone and lots of Southern barbecue. Entertainment includes the Imitations playing a variety of beach, soul and rock & roll; Nate Gordon performing bluegrass; and Greatly Blest singing Southern gospel music.

Gate entry fee is $5 per car, truck or buggy load.

For more information, visit capefearbbqfestival.com or call 910-795-0292 or 843-902-6532.

About Boating Safely course

The Greater Topsail Area Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 10-09, is presenting About Boating Safely (ABS), a basic course that covers the essential topics related to safe boating practices. Students will learn what safety equipment is required by law, trailering, handling the vessel, radio communications, navigation rules and responsibilities, and weather issues.

The course is open to all ages and meets the N.C. legal requirements for youth operators of personal watercraft.

The three-session course will meet at the Sloop Point Volunteer Fire Department, 19470 Hwy 17 North in Hampstead. Classes will meet on April 22 from 6 to 9 p.m.; April 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and April 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. Registration will held on the first night of class. The registration fee of $350 includes the textbook. A reduced rate is available for a second member of the same household who shares a textbook. To sign up f or for more information, contact Cordy Hieronymus, 910-470-0848.

2014 Easter Egg Hunt

Everyone is invited to the 9th annual Easter Egg Hunt at Hampstead Kiwanis Park on April 19 hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Hampstead. The fun will begin at 10 a.m. for children in 5th grade and under. There will be eggs, candy and prizes; a book give-away; a professional photographer on hand; concessions; and the Kiwanis Easter Bunny and Scooby Doo. Bring your own Easter basket. This year the Kiwanis Club will raffle off some great items, and egg recycling stations will be at the park to keep the event green. For information, visit kiwanisclubofhampstead.org.

The Kiwanis Club of Hampstead meets each Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at the Sawmill Grill, 15919 Hwy 17 in Hampstead. All are invited to attend, learn more and consider joining.

Beach Bash and Classic Car Show

Food and craft venders are sought for the upcoming Surf City Beach Bash and Classic Car Show, scheduled for May 31 at the Topsail Island Moose Lodge. For information, contact Gerald Garner at 252-560-6983.

Holy Week services

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Hampstead, will hold the following Holy Week services leading up to Easter:

April 20: 10 a.m., Easter Service with Holy Eucharist with a reception and Easter egg hunt to follow.

All are welcome at any of the services. For planning purposes, reservations for the Maundy Thursday dinner are suggested.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 107 Deerfield Drive behind the Port City Java on U.S. 17. For information or to make reservations for the dinner, contact Rev. Pamela Stringer at 910-270-4221.

Senior citizens meeting

There will be a business meeting for the members of Sneads Ferry Senior Citizens on April 16 at 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center, 2074 Hwy. 172 in Sneads Ferry.

Current members and all senior citizens in Sneads Ferry, 60 years or older, are welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings, held the third Wednesday of the month, and be a part of any decision making affecting the Center.

For more information, contact group president Monty Brigman at 910-327-6701 or treasurer A. Palmer at omapal@aol.com.

Bible study and prayer meeting

There will be a non-denominational bible study and prayer meeting on April 22 at 7 p.m. at 232 Everett Drive (in Chadwick Shores). Speaker will be David Stahl, international Bible teacher, multi-book author and founder of Beholding His Glory Ministries. beholdinghisglory.com. Pastor Dave will continue Wilderness Truths for Modern Times. Snacks, cake, and coffee provided. RSVP by April 15 by calling 910-741-0489 or emailing mtnebo@hotamil.com.

Auditions

The Sneads Ferry Community Theatre will hold open auditions for its next performance.

Six women and two or three men are needed for Mama Won’t Fly, a hilarious race-against-the-clock family comedy. Auditions will be held April 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. at the Sneads Ferry Community Center, 126 Park Lane.

For More information, contact director John M. Pratt at onthewaterway1@aol.com or 910-409-9318, or visit sneadsferrycommunitytheatre.com.

Paddling trails

The Town of Topsail Beach is planning to install paddling trails in the marshes of Topsail Island. On May 3 there will be a public meeting at 820 South Anderson Blvd. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be three trail presentations regarding how to use the area resources for these trails. Public input is sought.

For more information, call 910-328-5841.

Part-time employment

Surf City Parks and Recreation s is seeking temporary part-time help to assist with activities. For more information and an application, visit townofsurfcity.com.

Liberty Fest vendors

The Town of Holly Ridge is currently looking for vendors for its 4th of July Liberty Fest and Fireworks. This year’s Liberty Fest areas of opportunities include food, arts and craft and retail vendors; music; face painting; balloon animals; children’s activities; nonprofit booths; community group booths and pony rides. The town also welcomes ideas of activities and attractions for consideration.

Applications to be a vendor can be obtained at townofhollyridge.net or in person at the Town Hall located at 212 N. Dyson St.

For more information, call 910-329-7081.

Rose Society meeting

The guest speaker at an upcoming meeting of the Wilmington Cape Fear Rose Society will showcase how roses make wonderful companions to the area’s azaleas and camellias.

Matt Hunter of the Azalea Society of America, Cape Fear Chapter, will speak on how to integrate these plants in gardens on April 12 at 9:30 a.m. at the New Hanover County Arboretum, located at 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington. For more information, call Carol Noble at 910-259-5845 or visit wcfrs.blogspot.com.

Intermediate cheerleading

Surf City Parks & Recreation will offer Intermediate Cheerleading for coed participants with prior experience in a cheer program. Instruction for ages 9 to 15 will run on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Surf City Community Center April 10 to May 15. The program is part of the Surf City Stars cheerleading program. The cost is $60 for six weeks of classes. Those who register will also receive a program shirt and an outside performance may be scheduled. The registration limit is 30 participants. Register at townofsurfcity.com. Onsite registration is also available at Surf City Community Center For more information, call 910-328-4887 or e-mail athletics@townofsurfcity.com.

The Hops of Spring Beer Festival, an event by the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce, features more than 20 breweries, and a myriad of food and shopping vendors.

Pre-sale tickets are available online through e-tixs.com and the Chamber’s website. Tickets are $25 for the entire day, April 26, noon to 7 p.m. Admission tickets include concerts and brews. Admission the day of the festival is $35 per person.

For more information, go to Facebook/HopsofSpringBeerFestival or topsailchamber.org, or call the Chamber at 910-329-4446.

Kiwanis scholarships

The Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Area, continuing its long standing commitment to the young people of Onslow and Pender counties, has four scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each available for graduating seniors at Dixon and Topsail High Schools. Two of the four scholarships have the requirement that the applicant be a member in good standing of the school’s Key Club.

Additionally, the club has available a fifth scholarship in the amount of $2,500 for a graduating senior who is the child or grandchild of a current member of the Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Area. North Carolina residency is not a requirement for the applicant.

Information and applications for the scholarships can be obtained by contacting the guidance counselors at Dixon High School or Topsail High School.

Kiwanis golf tournament

The Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Area is accepting team registrations for its 2014 golf tournament. The golf tournament will be held May 3 at North Shore Country Club, on N.C. 210 in Sneads Ferry. Tee time is 8:30 a.m., and the format will be Captain’s Choice.

Kiwanis is anticipating a sell-out event, so golfers are encouraged not to wait until the last minute to register. Entry fees are $75 per individual and $300 for each team of four. Tournament business sponsorships are $250. Proceeds are used on club projects that benefit youth in the greater Topsail area.

For more information or to register, contact Rick Benton at 910-604-3835 or Randy Cox at 910-777-2707 .

Horse shelter

Pender County Animal Shelter is seeking community support to build a facility to help the abused and mistreated horses of Pender County.

The initial cost for the Pender County Horse Shelter Project is $25,000, which will build the facility, purchase a trailer and start a medical fund for abused horses. One-hundred percent of donations directed to the horse shelter will go to the project.

Donations can be sent to Pender County Animal Shelter Horse Fund; 803 South Walker St.; Burgaw, NC 28425. Be sure to write “Horse Fund” in the memo line.

For information on the Pender County Animal Shelter Equine Facility or the animal shelter itself, visit pendercountync.gov or call 910-259-1484.

The screenings will be held at Topsail Senior Center on the third Tuesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at Pender Adult Services on the fourth Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Pender County Health Department also offers free blood pressure checks Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call the Pender County Health Department at 910-259-1230.

Jazz festival

Diana Vincent of Hampstead is the winner of the Ocean City Jazz Festival Poster Contest. Her work will be available for sale at the festival, and poster sales will be annouced soon. The Ocean City Jazz Festival is held in North Topsail Beach on the July 4 weekend.

For more information, including the 2014 festival lineup, visit oceancityjazzfest.com or email info@oceancityjazzfest.com.

Faith Harbor UMC

Faith Harbor United Methodist Church is making plans for the upcoming Easter Passion week. Palm Sunday, April 13, will be celebrated with an Easter Cantata “Bow to the Knee” performed at the 9:20 a.m. service. Maundy Thursday, April 17, with have a Foot Washing Service at 7 p.m. Good Friday, April 18, will have a Stations of the Cross Service at 12:15 p.m. The Church Sanctuary will be open for prayer from noon to 3 p.m.

On Easter, April 20, Sunrise Service will be held at 7 a.m. at Soundside Park along the Intracoastal Waterway in Surf City. Additional Easter services will be held in the Faith Harbor Sanctuary at 9:20 and 11 a.m. An Easter luncheon and egg hunt will follow.

The church is located on the mainland side of the swing bridge in Surf City with services at 8 and 9:20 a.m. For more information, call 910-328-4422, visit faithharborumc.org or like them on Facebook.

Battleship North Carolina hours

The Battleship North Carolina is operating on its fall/winter schedule.

Through May 26, the battleship will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Christmas Day when the ship opens at noon. The Battleship North Carolina is located on the Cape Fear River across from downtown Wilmington. For information, visit battleshipnc.com or follow them at Facebook.com/or and Twitter.com/battleshipnc.

VFW Post 9983

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a non-profit service organization for men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States in combat areas. VFW Post 9983 is located at 188 Hines Stump Sound Church Road, one mile north of Holly Ridge at the flags. The canteen is open from 3 to 8 p.m. daily with extended hours for special events. The hall is available for rental and catering is available, special consideration for non-profits needing meeting space.

For more information, call 910-329-1881.

Lions Club

The Hampstead Lions Club meet regularly at the Topsail Presbyterian Church on U.S. 17 in Hampstead at noon every first and third Thursday of the month. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Come see what the Lions are all about and volunteer your time to help save the eyesight of others.

American Legion

Hampstead American Legion Post 167 meets the 2nd Monday of each month at the Topsail Senior Center next to Pender Pines. Veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard are invited to join them. For more information, visit ncalpost167.org.

Caregiver support group

Family members, friends and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia are invited to a family caregiver support group on the second Thursday of each month.

Caregivers will have the opportunity to meet other people facing the same circumstances, discuss challenges and receive support.

For more information, contact Ann LaReau at 910-470-2378.

Surf City Community Center

Surf City Community Center is open Monday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Sunday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The current class schedule is available online at townofsurfcity.com

For more information, to register or inquire about teaching a new class, call 910-328-4887, email parksandrec@townofsurfcity.com or visit townofsurfcity.com.

Animal adoptions

Pender County Animal Shelter Adoptions are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.

The adoption fee for dogs is $60 and includes spay/neuter, rabies, distemper/parvo & kennel cough vaccines, deworming and 30-day flea/tick treatment. The $40 adoption fee for cats includes spay/neuter, rabies and FVRCP, deworming and 30-day flea/tick treatment. Microchips are $15 with a lifetime enrollment.

Pender Animal Shelter is located at 3280 New Savannah Road in Burgaw. Call 910-259-1484 for more information or directions.

Master’s Touch Resale Store

Help support community outreach to those in need by shopping at Master’s Touch Resale Store, an interdenominational resale store located at 1056 Highway 210, Unit 3, in Sneads Ferry. Items for sale include gently used and some new items. All proceeds support the ministry of helping others. The store is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are accepted during regular hours.

Sneads Ferry Rotary Club

The Sneads Ferry Rotary Club meets Wednesdays at noon at Madison’s Restaurant, located on N.C. 172 in Sneads Ferry.

CHEW!

The Dixon Elementary CHEW! (Children Healthy Eating on Weekends) Program assists children in the community by providing backpacks filled with child-friendly, easy to prepare meals throughout the weekend. CHEW! needs donations to stock and maintain a supply of non-perishable food items that will provide nutrition for approximately 40 students each weekend. For more information or to donate, contact Kim Nelson, school social worker, at 910-327-2392 or kim.nelson@onslow.k12.nc.us

Mama J’s Helping Hand

Mama J’s helps people in need by providing them with food, clothing, household goods and baby items like diapers, wipes, formula and clothing. Mama J’s also helps people who are struggling with everyday issues and welcomes them to come in and talk. Call Mama J’s at 910-327-1302 for an updated list of specifics that are needed. Mama J’s Helping Hand is located at 2205 Hwy. 172 in Sneads Ferry. For more information, email jeanette0621@yahoo.com.

Baby FAST

The Baby FAST program in Pender County — designed to strengthen family relationships; build connections with families, schools, churches and the community; improve babies’ development and well-being; and reduce in-home stress — is seeking assistance. For more information and to help, contact Melanie Gatton at mgatton@taffinc.org or 910-777-8244.

Masons

Stump Sound No. 733 Masonic Lodge in Sneads Ferry meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

Members meet at 6:30 for a meal, and Lodge begins at 7:30 for qualified Masons.

Boy Scout Troop 937 in Sneads Ferry meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, located at Lakeside Drive and N.C. 172. For more information, contact Harvey Hoopes at 910-327-0069 or harveyhoopes@gmail.com.

New River Garden Club

New River Garden Club meets the fourth Thursday of every month. Membership is open to all who would like to share a love of gardening, community service and conservation. For more information, contact Tommi Allen at 912-660-5274 or tallen@coastalpermits.com

Hampstead Marine Corps League

The Hampstead Detachment 1321 of Marine Corps League meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Topsail Senior Center located next to Pender Pines Nursery. New members, both Marines and FMF Navy corpsmen, are welcome.

Sneads Ferry Extension

The Sneads Ferry Extension and Community Association meets the third Thursday of the month from 1:15 to 3 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Building on N.C. 172. Learn about various issues for the community and well-being, do some crafts, work the concession stand at Sneads Ferry Monday Night Bingo (the club’s fundraiser for a scholarship to a deserving student at Dixon High). For more information, contact Ida MacNamara at 910-327-0718 or idamac1@embarqmail.com.

Hampstead Women’s Club

The Hampstead Women’s Club is a nonprofit organization that donates thousands of dollars annually to area schools and other worthwhile organizations. This is made possible through the members who volunteer daily to process donated goods and sell them at the Hampstead Thrift Shop. General meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Hampstead Community Building, 14435 Highway 17. Membership applications are available at the Hampstead Thrift Shop.